Female entrepreneurship - a way to development in rural areas

Women and men have differing motives for engaging in the entrepreneurial activity of managing a business. Women tend to prioritize self-fulfilment, a flexible work–family balance, and professional development, whereas men seem to be motivated by financial success and profit.[1]

But another interesting aspect that Skane will look at more closely in the FEMACT-Cities project is the difference between urban and rural area when it comes to female entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship is becoming pivotal in the development of rural areas. Rural areas are faced with limited economic development, low profitability, downsized public services, as well as demographically and geographically driven challenges to the cohesion of their communities.

Female entrepreneurship is an effective way to development in rural areas

Women own almost a third of all businesses in rural Sweden and they are found in a variety of industries. The vast majority of women's businesses are small and without employees. They may need many legs to stand on to get around, so it is common to run several different types of business at the same time. Although entrepreneurship does not make women wealthy, the business form offers them a way to live the life they want to live, and above all in the place they want to live.

It is mainly women's companies that are responsible for the service offering in rural areas[2]. Women contribute with employment and with local service, and they often buy goods and services for their business locally, which benefits other businesses in the locality. In addition to this, they often take on a great deal of social responsibility. Without these companies, the countryside would be frighteningly empty. Female entrepreneurship is an effective way to development in rural areas.